Michigan’s unique environments, with its dual peninsula feature and adjacency to multiple Great Lakes, have made it a haven for woodpeckers. The Wolverine State is also rich in dietary resources for the birds, hosting as many as eleven woodpecker species, of which seven are common.
The largest native woodpecker is the pileated (17.5 inches), while the smallest is the downy (6.1 inches), which is also the most common. The giant pileated woodpecker mainly inhabits the northern part of the state in deciduous forests and is less common in the southeastern part. The downy and hairy woodpeckers look similar and can be seen in all seasons, including winter, keeping birdwatchers busy when most other birds have migrated.
Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Michigan
Name
Identifying Features
Where They Are Found in Michigan
Downy Woodpecker
Small size, black wings with white spots
Common throughout the state
Hairy Woodpecker
Similar to Downy but larger
Common in wooded areas and forests
Northern Flicker
Brownish body with black markings
Open areas, fields, and yards
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red cap on the head
Woodlands, suburbs, and parks
Pileated Woodpecker
Large, striking red crest and black body
Forested regions and woodlands
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Yellow belly and red throat
Wooded areas with sap-rich trees
Red-headed Woodpecker
Bright red head and black wings
Woodlands, open areas, and suburbs
Black-backed Woodpecker
Black back and white undersides
Rare, mainly in northern forests
American Three-toed Woodpecker
Three-toed feet and black back
Rare and primarily found in northern forests
Lewis’s Woodpecker
Pinkish-red belly and gray collar
Rare and occasional sightings in the state
Golden-fronted Woodpecker
Yellow patches on the head and yellow or bright red on the belly
Sporadic and occasional sightings
Among the rare woodpeckers, the black-backed is predominantly found in northern Michigan. It is black and white, with females lacking the yellow stripe on the crown, unlike the males. It shares its range with the more common red-bellied woodpecker, which is slightly bigger but weighs almost the same. The latter can only be seen in the winter and the breeding season (March and April).
FAQs
Q. Are woodpeckers protected in Michigan?
Ans. Woodpeckers are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. So, injuring or killing them by shooting or any other means is illegal. However, special permits can be obtained from the local DNR office to control them, depending on the situation. Still, prevention is the best method to control the birds from causing damage to your property.
